Canoeing at the Everglades National Park in Florida

Canoeing is a fun/lifestyle activity that is growing in status and popularity all around the world and one of the best places to experience the rush that goes with this event is the Everglades National Park, Florida.

For the newbie who is yet to experience the thrills (and spills) of canoeing, there is no need to be confused by the nomenclature or perceived differences between canoeing and kayaking. They are one and the same sport or activity with the only difference being in sitting positions.

In a kayak, the paddler is seat plus uses a double-bladed paddle pull the blade from end to end the water on exchange sides to move ahead. However, in a canoe, the paddler kneels plus uses a single-bladed paddle to propel the boat-forward.

The Everglades National Park in Florida provides canoeing enthusiasts one of the best places they could have ever asked for as the park is a swamp land which is just an hour’s drive away from the hustle & bustle of Miami.

Set on a vast expanse of land i.e. 1.5m acres, the park is perfect for canoeing as the current in the park’s lake is mellow and flows smoothly without any of the roughness associated with mountainside streams and rivers. This makes Everglades National Park perfect for first time canoers to hone their craft and practice in a less chaotic body of water.

Now do not panic intending canoers but the Everglades National Park is notable for having a very special set of landlords; the always interesting Florida alligators. There is no need to panic as the route designated for canoers is not one that these creatures are allowed to wander into and vice versa.

There are also lots of other animals to see at the park including manatees, white-tailed deer, bobcat, and scores of endangered animals, like the American crocodile and the Florida Panther. It goes without saying but visitors are encouraged to keep their distance from these animals for safety reasons.

Making a canoeing trip to the park a family outing is one of the best ways of getting the best experience in the park. There are lots of camp sites on the grounds of the park for would-be canoers and their families and friends to enjoy a fun getaway. There are even camp sites for RVs and other big vehicles.

Canoeing is an awesome experience and the tranquil waters of the Everglades National Park provide one of the best scenes for living this experience.